3 September 2010

How great to see Maiko Mamehana for the first time. She is from the Hanamachi of Gion-Kobu. She was at Ihee, the famous handicraft shop in Gion for a photo session. People who entered the shop were quite surprised, wondering if she was real or not...that kind of event must probably be the least interesting part of being a Maiko. Anyway, I enjoyed seeing her and shooting some portraits with my 50mm. The place was not crowded at all and the conditions for the pictures were good. And of course Mamehana-san was beautiful and held such a great pose for this series.

Her Kanzashi (hair ornament) represents a purple morning glory (asagao, liseron) which is the other possible kanzashi in August with the suzuki grass.